The United States Naval Construction Force, commonly known as the Seabees, is a specialized military branch within the Navy. The nickname “Seabee” comes from the phonetic sound of the initial letters “CB,” standing for Construction Battalion. This force maintains a unique dual role, requiring personnel to possess high-level technical trade skills while also being prepared to operate in contested environments globally.
The Historical Context of the Seabees
The Naval Construction Battalions were formally established on March 5, 1942, during World War II. Previously, civilian contractors performed naval construction work, but this proved impractical and dangerous in forward combat areas. Hostilities required infrastructure to be built quickly, often under fire near the front lines. The force’s creation ensured that skilled tradesmen could legally defend themselves and their projects while operating in active theaters of war. This dual requirement established the foundation for their motto, “We Build, We Fight.”
The Core Mission of Construction and Engineering
The primary objective of the Naval Construction Force is to provide rapid, responsive construction and engineering support worldwide. This work focuses on building infrastructure necessary to support naval and joint military operations. Typical projects include constructing airfields, roads, bridges, barracks, and utility systems, often executed in remote or challenging geographical locations. Seabees operate self-sufficiently, utilizing their own equipment and personnel to complete complex projects from initial site preparation through final structure completion.
The force also dedicates resources to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief efforts. Following a natural disaster, Seabees deploy as first responders to help restore basic services and infrastructure. This work includes providing temporary shelters, purifying water, and clearing debris. Their ability to deploy quickly with necessary tools and supplies allows the battalions to deliver tangible results globally.
Seabee Specialized Job Ratings
The work of a Seabee is divided across seven distinct enlisted job specialties, known as ratings. Each rating focuses on a specific trade skill, providing the technical depth necessary for the battalions to execute a wide variety of construction projects without relying on external support.
Builder
The Builder (BU) rating focuses on general construction and finishing work, representing the largest segment of the Naval Construction Force. Duties encompass carpentry, masonry, and concrete work, including mixing, placing, and finishing concrete. Builders also handle interior finish work, such as installing sheetrock, paneling, tile, and trim. They are also responsible for interpreting blueprints and preparing project sketches.
Construction Electrician
Personnel in the Construction Electrician (CE) rating specialize in establishing and maintaining electrical power generation and distribution. This involves installing, operating, and repairing high-voltage and low-voltage electrical distribution networks, both overhead and underground. They ensure necessary power is available for construction sites and operational base facilities in expeditionary environments.
Construction Mechanic
The Construction Mechanic (CM) rating is responsible for maintaining and repairing the heavy equipment and tactical vehicles used by the battalions. Construction Mechanics diagnose and troubleshoot equipment failures, performing preventative and corrective maintenance on bulldozers, cranes, dump trucks, and specialized military vehicles. Their work ensures construction efforts are not delayed by equipment malfunctions in the field.
Engineering Aide
The Engineering Aide (EA) rating provides the technical planning and quality control necessary for construction projects. Engineering Aides conduct land surveys, prepare detailed maps and construction drawings, and perform quality assurance testing on materials like soil, concrete, and asphalt. They function as engineering technicians who translate plans into actionable construction requirements.
Equipment Operator
The Equipment Operator (EO) rating involves the skilled operation of heavy machinery utilized on job sites. Equipment Operators maneuver bulldozers, cranes, backhoes, graders, rollers, and other construction equipment. This equipment is used for earthmoving, excavation, and material handling. Their proficiency in operating large assets is essential for site preparation and the rapid placement of construction materials.
Steelworker
The Steelworker (SW) rating focuses on metal fabrication, structural assembly, and welding applications. Steelworkers cut, fit, and weld structural steel components for buildings, bridges, and other large structures. They fabricate specialized parts and perform repairs on metal components, ensuring the structural integrity of construction projects.
Utilitiesman
The Utilitiesman (UT) rating ensures that essential life support systems are installed and maintained on remote bases. These specialists install and maintain all plumbing systems, including pipe-fitting and sanitation. They also handle the operation and repair of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. Utilitiesmen are responsible for operating and maintaining water purification and wastewater treatment plants.
Operational Deployment and Expeditionary Work
Seabees operate in a highly expeditionary capacity, trained to deploy rapidly worldwide. The majority of the force is assigned to Naval Mobile Construction Battalions (NMCBs), which follow a structured operational cycle. Units typically rotate between homeport (e.g., Gulfport, Mississippi, or Port Hueneme, California) and an overseas deployment period.
Deployment cycles commonly involve six to seven months deployed, followed by 18 months in homeport for training and preparation. The work environment is often austere, requiring personnel to be self-sufficient and capable of establishing temporary living and working infrastructure. Seabee detachments often operate independently, necessitating the ability to function effectively in remote or isolated areas.
Combat Readiness and Military Requirements
The “We Fight” aspect of the Seabee motto requires personnel to maintain a high level of military readiness. All members receive extensive tactical field training that goes beyond standard basic military instruction. This training focuses on defensive combat tactics, as their primary role in a contested area is to defend the construction site and personnel working there.
Training includes proficiency with individual and crew-served weapons, convoy security operations, and establishing defensive positions like fighting bunkers and protective wire obstacles. They also learn specialized field engineering skills, such as battle damage repair of runways and roads, and constructing temporary bridges. This integrated construction and combat training is formalized through the voluntary qualification process for the Seabee Combat Warfare (SCW) Specialist insignia.
Becoming a Seabee: Training and Career Path
Becoming a Seabee requires meeting the Navy’s standard entry requirements, including physical fitness standards and qualifying scores on the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). Recruits must desire a construction rating, as these specialties can be competitive. After initial processing, the recruit proceeds to Navy basic training, or boot camp, which typically lasts eight to nine weeks.
Following basic training, the new Sailor attends specialized job training, known as “A-School,” to learn the technical skills for their assigned rating. Much of this instruction takes place at the Naval Construction Battalion Center in Gulfport, Mississippi. A-School provides foundational, hands-on training in the specific construction trade. After graduation, Sailors are assigned to a Naval Construction Force unit to apply their trade skills and expand their military knowledge.